Atlanta Hawks center-forward Al Horford (L) goes around Boston Celtics' Jonas Jerebko. (Photo : Getty Images)
Reports were out that the Boston Celtics have inquired about the availability of Atlanta Hawks starting big man Al Horford during this year's NBA trade season as the 17-time champion franchise is said to be looking for veteran leadership and anchor in their frontcourt.
After topping the Eastern Conference and then losing to the Cleveland Cavaliers via a sweep in the East Finals last season, the Hawks are currently struggling in the middle of the playoff-bound pack, occupying the fifth spot in the standings at the moment with a 27-22 win-loss slate.
They have not dominated the conference this season the way they did it in 2014-2015 and speculations abound that team executives may be looking to make some changes before the Feb. 18 trade deadline and that includes trading some of their key players.
Hoops Habit noted that "if there's one team that could use Horford more than any other, it's the Boston Celtics".
The Celtics had been targeting Sacramento Kings main man DeMarcus Cousins in their continued search for a legitimate star to return to the league's top echelon, but things have not been going their way.
Horford is a nice alternative considering that the Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic native is still at his prime at age 29 and is a well-rounded player that fits perfectly with head coach Brad Stevens' system.
The third overall pick of the 2007 NBA Draft is used to playing in a system that is "centered around ball movement and disciplined execution of plays", as what he is now doing under Hawks head coach Mike Budenholzer, and the transition to Boston would be seamless if a trade would push through.
He could also provide reliable inside scoring, consistent face-up and back-to-the-basket offensive threat, and can also bang with the biggest beasts in the paint at any given night, something that the Celtics are lacking as they rely too much on slashers and outside shooters with their offense.
Another plus factor with Horford is that he does not need the ball that much to make an impact in a game, which will not disrupt what Isaiah Thomas and Marcus Smart are already successfully doing for the team.
RealGM reported that aside from Horford, the Celtics have also asked about the possibility of trading for their starting point guard Jeff Teague even when the team already has top-level talents at the position with Thomas and Smart.
